A flavorful and healthy meal inspired by the delicious cuisine of Greece. Perfect for a light lunch or dinner, this dish combines aromatic spices, juicy chicken meatballs, and creamy tzatziki sauce.
Ingredients
For the Meatballs:
1 pound (450g) ground chicken
1/4 cup breadcrumbs (panko or regular)
1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1 clove garlic, minced
1 small red onion, finely diced
1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
1/4 teaspoon ground cumin
1/4 teaspoon paprika
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
1/4 teaspoon salt
1 large egg, lightly beaten
1 tablespoon olive oil (for cooking)
For the Tzatziki Sauce:
1 cup plain Greek yogurt
1 cucumber, grated and squeezed to remove excess moisture
1 clove garlic, minced
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 teaspoon lemon juice
1 tablespoon fresh dill, chopped (optional)
Salt and pepper to taste
Optional for Serving:
Pita bread or flatbread
Mixed greens or salad
Cherry tomatoes, sliced
Instructions
1. Prepare the Meatball Mixture:
In a large bowl, combine the ground chicken, breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, minced garlic, diced onion, parsley, oregano, cumin, paprika, black pepper, and salt. Add the lightly beaten egg and mix well until all ingredients are evenly incorporated. Cover and refrigerate for 15–20 minutes to allow the mixture to firm up slightly.
2. Shape and Cook the Meatballs:
Using your hands or a small scoop, shape the meat mixture into small, even-sized meatballs (about 1–1.5 inches in diameter). Heat a tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Cook the meatballs in batches, turning occasionally, until golden brown and fully cooked through (about 10–12 minutes). Remove from the skillet and set aside.
3. Make the Tzatziki Sauce:
While the meatballs are cooking, prepare the tzatziki sauce. In a medium bowl, combine the Greek yogurt, grated cucumber, minced garlic, olive oil, lemon juice, dill (if using), salt, and pepper. Mix well until creamy and smooth. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.
4. Assemble and Serve:
Serve the meatballs warm with a generous dollop of tzatziki sauce on the side. You can pair them with pita bread, flatbread, or a fresh salad. Garnish with additional parsley or dill if desired.
Tips for Success
Cucumber Prep: Squeezing out excess moisture from the grated cucumber is essential to prevent the tzatziki from becoming watery.
Customizable Flavor: Feel free to add a pinch of chili flakes for a bit of heat or extra lemon juice for more zing in the sauce.
Meal Prep: These meatballs can be made ahead of time and reheated when needed. The tzatziki sauce can be stored in the fridge for up to 3 days.
Enjoy this delicious, healthy, and easy-to-make meal that transports you straight to the Mediterranean!